Police, firefighters should have better pay, higher facilities

Lower-ranking police and firefighters ought to have higher pay, said Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

“Here, I would like to propose to the government to provide a higher rate of increase for police officers and firefighters, especially low-ranking ones,” Teresa said on Facebook.

She claimed that the starting salary for police officers with SPM qualifications is only RM1,441. After allowances, their monthly salary is just over RM2,000.

“This income is too low compared to other jobs, and it is insufficient for those working in major cities, especially in the Klang Valley. It will be even more challenging for those who are married.

“The low income for low-ranking police officers does not reflect their job duties, which expose them to personal safety risks while ensuring public safety.

“Moreover, they are always forced to work irregular hours,” she said.

The same goes for firefighters, Teresa added in the same Facebook post.

“The starting salary for KB19 qualified firefighters is RM1,360. Firefighters also work irregular hours and constantly serve in dangerous conditions when performing rescue tasks,” she said.

She also welcomed the decision to increase the salary for civil servants.

“I welcome the announcement of a salary increase for civil servants by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 1st, in conjunction with Labor Day.

“This is because there has been no review of civil service salaries for the past 13 years,” Teresa said on her Facebook page.

Teresa claimed that she is confident that this salary increase will serve as an encouragement to civil servants.

“Additionally, it is a recognition of their contribution and responsibility to the general public,” she said.

“I hope my proposal will be accepted,” Teresa said.

This year Labour Day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared a plan to increase civil servants’ salaries.

He also said that the government plans to implement the revised salary structure for civil servants starting in December this year.

“The scheme was initially planned for implementation in January next year but will be implemented for their December salary,” Anwar said, reported The Star Daily.